The Pettigo and District Angling Association issue permits for several lakes in the Pettigo area, the Leaghany River and a stretch along the South bank of the River Derg from Lough Derg to the Owenboy stream. The lakes are a mixed fishery noted for coarse fishing, mostly roach, perch, bream and pike. There are also good stocks of brown trout. The Leaghany and Derg rivers both have healthy populations of small brown trout.
Note: To prevent the spread of the Zebra Mussel anglers must only use boats provided by The Pettigo and District Angling Association.
The principal trout lakes are Bannus Lake, Drumgun Lough, Lough Aveghy and Lough Derg. Trout respond well to the traditional mountain flies such as Bibbio, Claret, Bumble, March Brown and Butcher. The bag limit for trout is 4 and trout fishing is by fly only. Coarse anglers are advised to contact Britton’s Bar, Pettigo, Co. Donegal. Tel: (071) 9861519 for further information
Bannus Lake
Bannus Lake is small lough around 2 miles West of Pettigo that holds stocks of roach, perch, bream and brown trout. Access to the lake has recently been improved with the construction of car parking, stiles and fishing stands. Trout fishing is by fly only and the lake can be fished by a club boat or from the shore. The lake holds a good stock of native brown trout with an average weight of around ¾lb.
Drumgun Lough
Drumgun Lough is situated about 1mile west of Pettigo and is around ½ mile long and almost ½ mile across at its widest point. Access to this lake has also been improved with the construction of car parking, stiles and fishing stands. The lough holds stocks of perch and roach as well as a healthy population of brown trout ranging from ¾ – 1lb in weight. The lough is fished from the shore only.
Lough Aveghy
Lough Aveghy is located about 5 miles west of Pettigo and holds stocks of pike, perch, roach and brown trout. The average weight of trout is around 1½lb but trout of 4lb and over have recently been recorded as they run up the Waterfoot River to their spawning grounds. The lough is fished from the shore only.
Lough Derg
Lough Derg is located about 4½ miles north of Pettigo and is more famous as a pilgrimage destination than for its fishing. The 2,200-acre lough has stocks of pike, perch and brown trout. The average weight of the trout is around 1lb but trout of up to 4lb are occasionally caught. Fishing is from a club boat only and care should be taken, as the lough is very shallow and can be hazardous in windy weather. This lough is situated within the Foyle Fishery Commission Region. Licences available from: James Gallagher, Pettigo & District Anglers, Main Street, Pettigo, Co. Donegal.
Season
The season for Trout is from 1st March to 9th October inclusive.
There is no close season for Coarse Fish.
Permits
A daily permit is available for €10 from the following outlets:
- James Gallagher, Post office, Main Street, Pettigo, Co. Donegal. Tel: (071) 9861511.
- Trina Britton, Britton’s Bar, Main Street, Pettigo, Co. Donegal. Tel: (071) 9861519.
Boat Hire
- Trina Britton, Britton’s Bar, Main Street, Pettigo, Co. Donegal. Tel: (071) 9861519.
Local Guide
Contact: Mr D. Stinson, Dreenan Cottage, Boa Island, Co. Fermanagh. Tel:048 6863195.
